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Why and how are these better than the $10 skullcandy buds from CC a while ago? This not a troll question, do these types of tiny in-ear phones really sound that different, and why?

I bought the newer version of these headphones and it's been one of the best investments I've ever made.

You can hear every tiny sound that was meant to be in the recording. It will single-handedly make you raise your expectations for music recordings. Bad Mp3s will no longer have a place on your iPod.

The first time I put them on was a trip. Because I was at work and I'm staring at my phone light blink but I couldn't hear a damned thing.

One thing you have to get used to is that these things sit pretty far in your ear. So it takes quite a bit of getting used to. Clean your ears regularly lest these come out all sticky and cruddy. Seriously.

One other thing, don't buy these if you're expecting serious bass. These were designed for proper sound replication, not bumping Biggie Smalls. Sure it'll sound great but don't expect the bass to rattle your socks off.

They really are great headphones. You'll be listening to all your favorites over again just to hear what they're SUPPOSED to sound like. Have fun!

First off, how earphones sound is affected by so many variables that there's no way to really decide which ones you like better unless you actually hear them both. In fact, some people have different earphones for different music for that very reason.

These Shures are decent, they will have a high(er) definition mid to high range, and a tight, understated bass. Some feel that it is TOO understated, but I actually prefer the bass sound these have because I don't care for music with the crushing bass thump. I listen to classical, jazz of all types, classic rock, and acoustic solo instruments like guitar, and they all sound pretty good to me on these earphones.

Compared to my Koss in-ear type earphones, which cost $12, these are awesome. Compared to over the ear-type phones, they will come up short simply because of the single tiny driver, even with the near-total isolation of the in ear installation.

Speaking of which, many of the <a rel="nofollow" href="/merchants/amazon-coupons-3/jump/" target="_new">Amazon reviewers who disliked these had some sort of problem either fitting them in their ears, or found them too uncomfortable to wear for very long. Either way, if you don't put them in right, they will sound like crap. Once you get them properly installed, it's amazing. I can listen to music in the same room as a loud TV and hear the music just fine.

All that said, I have returned these to the factory 2 times now for the same problem, one earpiece went dead. The factory 2-year warranty was honored quickly by Shure, but these things should be made better, I think. I use them at my computer, and I never take them to the gym or abuse them in any way.

One competitor is Westone, who apparently used to make these for Shure. I recently switched to their UM1 for my keyboard, and I think they sound pretty good. 2yr warranty, too, plus made by overpaid union workers right here ... [Truncated]

I really liked the Ultimate Ears super.fi 3. They are about the same price. Anyone know how these compare?

I agree with #2 and #3's statements. Although I'm speaking of the older E2C's which I love. I never had any issues with craftsmanship but then again, mine are of an older generation.

If these are any bit close to what my E2Cs are like, then they are totally worth it. If I lost mine, I'd definately buy again, even consider an upgraded model.

Hmm. I'm looking for more bass then. I guess I'll look elsewhere.

I have the SE210s and think that for the small price increase, they're definitely worth it over these. I listened to both and found the SE210s to be better detailed and have better bass response.

The 210s have lots of bass - not overwhelming, but tight and surprisingly detailed. I listened to the Etymotic ER6i buds as well and they simply did not have enough bass for even normal listening in my opinion. Tinny and almost shrill.

These are good earbuds if you can't swing the extra $30 for the SE210s, but I'd recommend making the step up.

If you listen to audiobooks, this is the right earphone. I can hear every word even as a subway train passes by. Awesome sound blocking.